A few weeks ago, Mark Zuckerberg announced that WhatsApp was in the process of introducing high-definition (HD) photo sharing, with HD video capabilities to come soon. As of today, Meta has confirmed that both HD photos and videos are now accessible to all users. The company has also released a promotional video on Threads, asking users to utilize the new tool to “share extraordinary moments.” These HD features have been made available throughout the world. The past few months have seen this feature under testing with beta users. If you haven’t yet seen this option, keep an eye out for the update.
Previously, WhatsApp users were limited to sending images in a highly compressed format, putting the app at a disadvantage compared to rival services like iMessage. The introduction of HD photos and videos is part of a series of significant updates aimed at making WhatsApp more competitive in the business sector. Meta recently launched a native version of the app for macOS, supporting video calls for up to eight participants and audio calls for up to 32. Screen sharing is now available on the platform, as are unnamed group chats.
Instructions for Sending HD Photos on WhatsApp:
The process is quite straightforward.
- Users should first select the file they want to share. Before pressing the send button, look for the “HD” icon at the top.
- Here, you can switch from the default standard quality to high definition.
- Keep in mind that sending images in higher resolution will require more data and storage.
Interestingly, users can also choose the resolution for downloading. WhatsApp stated during the announcement, “If you receive a photo with low bandwidth connectivity, you can decide on a case-by-case basis whether to keep the standard version or upgrade it to HD.”
Instructions for Sending HD Videos via WhatsApp:
You can send HD videos through WhatsApp using the same method as you would for HD photos. Begin by updating your WhatsApp application to the latest version via the Play Store or App Store.
- Next, open the WhatsApp chat where you want to send the HD video.
- Then, click on the attachment icon and select the video.
- At the top of the video, you will find a toggle button labeled “HD” that allows you to adjust the video’s quality.
Unfortunately, WhatsApp’s standard quality setting means recipients will receive a 480p-resolution version of the original video. Meanwhile, the HD quality option will provide recipients with a 720p version instead of the video’s original resolution. As a result, WhatsApp is currently unable to send videos with a resolution higher than 720p, even if the original video is in full HD (1080p) or 4K (2160p) quality. If users find a 720p video insufficient, they are welcome to use an alternative method to send videos. At present, this feature seems to be limited to Android, with no information on when it will be available on iOS.